Best way to find some inspiration for your home? Leave it.

By Claire Young

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“Most people know what they like but don't know how to put it together in a way that looks cohesive and finished,” says award-winning interior designer Elizabeth Krueger. “Do your research and know what you are drawn to.”

In other words, don't fight it.

Hotels spend millions — and win awards — for their pitch-perfect interior design, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Just put down the design magazines, step away from the HGTV and steal their style. It’ll immediately elevate your look.

To help you get started, we pulled the bedrooms of Chicago’s top five hotels (according to Travel + Leisure’s 2018 list) and nabbed two of Chicago's best interior designers to teach you the name of the style that’s caught your fancy, how to bring it home and where to shop for the critical pieces.

The Langham (4 images)

1. The Langham

Of course you like this look: The Langham is the number one hotel in Chicago. It's chic, sleek and sophisticated as hell.

Chicago designer Anthony Michael recently outfitted a 60-foot luxury charter yacht, in this style. He says start with a few small pieces that aren't a huge financial commitment and you'll know whether it's coming together. Lamps definitely fit the bill.

But be advised: if it’s the artwork and splashy lobby of The Langham that’s catching your eye, you might be more Contemporary than Mid-Century. Fair warning, that style can head toward trendy, so be prepared to reinvent often if that’s the portion of this equation you’re most interested in.

Currently on a 15-year winning streak at the coveted AAA Five Diamonds award, the well-appointed Michigan Avenue institution is refined and elegant, with Eastern accents throughout.

The style: Transitional

Key design elements: The hallmark of transitional style is using classic shapes in a fresh and current color palette. New takes on old classics, in other words. Think feminine curves, luxury and comfort, yet done up in a very uncomplicated and approachable manner.

Krueger says the vibe here comes from a neutral color palette with pops of rich sapphire and brass tones.

A design rep for this Gold Coast hotel uses phrases like “sensually lit spaces” and “a calm confidence that is both intriguing and inviting” when describing The Thompson. In other words, time to get an animal rug.

The style: Masculine, with Mid-Century Modern pieces

Key design elements: Earth tones, dark colors, geometric patterns, a mix of materials and funky shapes in lighting and upholstery. The Thompson leans into this look with one-of-a-kind art and gallery-style arrangements.

The hotel re-opened last year following a total design overhaul. It goes to show that no matter the year your place was built, you can create a slick, understated air on the inside.

The style: Modern, Casual, Global

Key design elements: A neutral palette accented with subtle punctuations of color. (Emphasis on neutral and subtle.) Modern is all about keeping it clean and simple.

“The star power of these rooms is in its understated and collected feel,” Krueger says. “The rich hues of the textiles, the brass detail on the bed frame and the architectural leg of the tables offer a subdued style.”

If you’re new to modern, pick lamps and tables that feel residential. Modern can head toward science-fiction fast.

If you haven’t heard, the Chicago Athletic Association is a restored sporting club located inside a gothic, Columbian Exposition-era building, with a very popular rooftop bar. They’ve kept the original vibe, but now women are allowed in.

But as Michael warns: "This is not an easy look to pull off, unless you know what you're doing." His firm recently created an Association-inspired bachelor pad for a client, and said they had to scour multiple sources to find the critical one of a kind piece of art to tie it all together.

Who knew nailing this uber-masculine style would require antiquing? Welcome to 2018, you modern man, you.

And just like that, you’re armed with new design terms and a raft of outfitters at which to throw your money to transform your bedroom. After all this hard work, you should probably treat yourself to a stay in one these beauties. Or at least grab a post-dinner drink at Pennisula’s new Z Bar or unwind at the opulent Chuan Spa at The Langham.